MOCSA's History

In 1969, a coalition of police officers, prosecutors, psychologists, medical professionals, and rape victims from throughout the greater metropolitan area recognized the urgent need for an improved response from the criminal justice system and support services for victims of rape. This concerned group formed a network to improve the system and provide the support services rape victims desperately needed. The concept of MOCSA originated with this circle of committed and caring individuals.

With grant assistance obtained by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the group organized in 1973 as the Metropolitan Coordinating Committee for Rape Treatment and Prevention. In March 1975, MOCSA was formally incorporated. Services included a 24-hour crisis line, support and counseling for rape victims, advocacy services, and rape prevention. In the late 1970's, the Organization to Counter Sexual Assault was formed by MOCSA to help other Midwest communities develop programs based on the MOCSA

In 1981, a group of Jackson County therapists and other professionals concerned about therapy services for sexually abused children and their families formed the Sexual Abuse Treatment Network. To better meet the needs of these victims, the Sexual Abuse Treatment Network merged with MOCSA in 1983 to form the agency's Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program. With assistance from the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, MOCSA identified the need and designed special sexual abuse prevention programs for elementary schools targeted to children, parents and teachers. This effort evolved to become Project Aware, MOCSA's highly regarded child sexual abuse prevention program.

While crisis intervention, therapy, and education services to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse have existed in a limited form throughout much of MOCSA's history, funding by United Way allowed initiation of more formalized Adult Survivor Services in 1990. Two years later, services for this group expanded through the addition of support groups, a survivor support line, a newsletter and other support and education to form the S.U.R.E. Program (Survivors United Reaching Empowerment).

In 1991, in response to community needs, MOCSA began the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center. The Center provides a resource library, professional training, community education, and crisis assistance and referral in the areas of sexuality and sexual abuse for service providers, families and persons with developmental disabilities.

During 1997, four new program positions were added to provide prevention services, outreach and sexual assault intervention services. This expansion provided for increased work with youth and the addition of new outreach sites.

Over the years, MOCSA has initiated and formalized services in response to emerging issues and special populations, including adult survivors of child sexual abuse, persons with developmental disabilities, adolescents who sexually abuse younger children, victims of date and acquaintance rape, and the need for outreach to under served minority populations.

As crimes of sexual violence have proliferated, there has been the corresponding development of new services throughout the metropolitan area. MOCSA has provided leadership and assistance in the development of many of these services and actively participates in networking and partnership arrangements with more than 50 agencies and groups. MOCSA continues to be the primary metropolitan resource for current and comprehensive information related to the issues of sexual assault and abuse.

MOCSA offices have traditionally been in the midtown area, both to be accessible to inner city clientele and to be centrally located for greater ease of access throughout the greater metropolitan area. In March 1994, MOCSA relocated its offices to 3217 Broadway. The new space provides for better client service, much needed additional parking, and improved security. There are currently five outreach sites, located at: St. James Lutheran Church in the Northland, the YWCA in Wyandotte County, the Village Church Education Center in Overland Park and the Johnson County Courthouse in Olathe, and at the First Presbyterian Church in Lee's Summit. By appointment, adolescent and adult sexual assault clients can also be seen at El Centro, Mattie Rhodes, Don Bosco and Guadalupe Center.

MOCSA began 1999 with 31 staff members, several graduate interns, and a network of nearly 200 volunteers who offer their services to the agency in a variety of ways. Staff members are master's level mental health professionals or specialized bachelor's level providers of education and crisis intervention services. Volunteers represent a range of educational and professional backgrounds. MOCSA's Board of Directors includes representation from the service, business and general communities.

MOCSA has made a difference in the lives of thousands of people living in the greater metropolitan area, and seeks to continue making a difference in the future.

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Office hours:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Monday-Friday
Evening appointments may be available. Please call (816) 931-4527 for information.

2003 Annual Report

For questions or comments regarding MOCSA's website, please contact Robin Sullivan at (816) 931-4527 or rsullivan@mocsa.org